Staff-prisoner relationships

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:

• Staff and prisoners are fair and courteous to each other.
• Staff engage proactively with prisoners and seek to know prisoners as individuals.
• Senior managers lead by example and regularly engage with prisoners on wings.
• When staff need to relay sensitive or unwelcome news to prisoners, this is done in private and with compassion.
• Staff treat prisoners’ cells and possessions with respect.
• Staff and prisoners address each other using their preferred name or title and never use insulting nicknames or derogatory or impersonal terms.
• Staff understand the impact of life experiences, such as trauma, abuse and mental illness, on behaviour.
• Staff are able to access support to help them manage the emotional demands of their work.
• When rules are breached, staff take time to explain how and why to the prisoner concerned.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:

• Prisoners take responsibility for meeting their own needs.
• Prisoners are encouraged to attend activities regularly and punctually.
• Staff support and motivate prisoners to engage positively with activities designed to reduce their risk of reoffending and help them prepare for release.
• There is an organised and structured peer support scheme, which encourages ‘active citizenship’ within the prison community.
• Peer workers’ roles are clearly defined.
• Peer workers receive appropriate training, support and supervision.
• The peer worker group is involved in consultation activities.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:

• Prisoners have a named member of staff who knows them well.
• Staff know the personal circumstances of prisoners and encourage contact with the outside world.
• Staff believe in the possibility of rehabilitation and support prisoners to achieve their objectives.
• Staff encourage prisoners to reflect on the consequences of their behaviours and use mediation to resolve conflict.
• Staff are caring and compassionate and support prisoners to make good choices and manage their emotions.
• Staff are consulted on matters relating to their prisoners and provide support with prisoners’ rehabilitation and resettlement issues.
• Staff are aware of the services available in the prison and use them to help prisoners.
• Staff maintain an accurate chronological record of contact with prisoners.
• Where appropriate, staff use care plans to coordinate care for the most vulnerable men.